In the final two messages before we break for Advent, Jesus demonstrates his power and authority over a fierce storm (4:35-41), an army of demons (5:1-20), a chronic disease (5:25-34) and even death itself (5:35-43). Today we look together at those first two events.
Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4 is a picture of the reception his message has received thus far. It is a reminder to us all that not everyone will respond the same way to the Word of God. It is also a personal challenge for each of us to examine the receptive condition of our hearts.
In our study of the book of Mark we have seen Jesus teach and demonstrate his authority and power. As we continue today, Mark the author, will continue to show us who Jesus is and there will be a variety of responses. As we see how people responded then, each of us can consider how we have responded and how we are responding each day to Jesus.
Last week, Jesus demonstrated he has authority to solve our greatest need of all - our sin. Today, we will look at four different scenes as people wrestle with questions, specifically what do I have to do in order to please God?
In Mark 1, Jesus’ authority has been on display in his teaching, healing and casting out of demons. Today, Jesus claims to have authority to solve our greatest need of all—our sin. In Mark 2:5 he says, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ This very offer is extended to us all. Let’s look together at the details.
In the first 20 verses, Mark declared Jesus to be the Christ and the Son of God, rooted his coming in the Old Testament Scriptures, described his preparation for ministry through his baptism and temptation, revealed the content of his message and teaching, and invited us to follow Him as he introduced us to His first disciples. Today, Mark puts Jesus authority and compassion on display for all to see.
Mark’s gospel jumps right in with speed and energy. No prologue, no genealogy, and nothing about Jesus’ birth or childhood. Within the first few verses, Jesus is identified by Mark, baptized by John, anointed by the Spirit, confirmed by the Father and tempted by Satan. Let’s buckle up and get started.
Today we begin a series in the Gospel of Mark entitled “Follow Me!” We will be invited to understand who Jesus is and encouraged to deepen our commitment to follow Him. Reading plans are available in the lobby and online. Come prepared as we dig in together to the Gospel of Mark.
As one expression of the local church, Calvary has a tremendous opportunity and an extraordinary stewardship to participate in God’s transforming work in the world. Let’s continue to stay on mission as we intentionally pursue together what God is doing in us and through us.
If someone asked you, “What is the most important rule to live by?” how would you respond? It's not an easy question because we all live by different rules as the situation demands. Fortunately, one day a man asked Jesus this same question. Jesus said the single greatest rule to live by wasn’t one but two—to Love God and Love others. Join us as we dig into the greatest commandment and consider tangible steps to love God and love others.
Are you RESOLUTE—determined & persistent, steadfast & firm—about the most important things in life? Periodically throughout 2019 we have been looking at the resolute characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Today, we will discover together what it means to “Work Hard” in the Lord as we aim to be RESOLUTE in Pursuing Life in Christ.
The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. David helps us see God, our King, clearly and personally through his creatively written Psalm of praise.
To know God better we have to see Him more clearly. The Psalms provide the perfect vantage point to do just that. The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. Let’s journey together this summer and see God through the Psalms like never before. *This week's sermon roll-in video provided by: Manna Media - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMtfuihjrf-lyjJfMbdIRw...
A Psalm for Giving Thanks.
The Dark Night of the Soul.
The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. One valley we all experience is feeling the weight of our guilt. Reflecting on his own experience, David teaches us how to deal with the guilt of our sin and experience the blessing of forgiveness.
To know God better we have to see Him more clearly. The Psalmist invites us to look, notice, recognize, observe and behold God through the valleys and mountaintops of everyday life. We begin with David’s individual lament, written to paint a clear picture of what triumphant faith looks like when it is tested by the fires of adversity. (Steven J. Lawson)
Are you RESOLUTE—determined & persistent, steadfast & firm—about the most important things in life? Periodically throughout 2019 we have been looking at the resolute characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Last week, we discovered how our lives can be marked by gratitude. Today, we look at the natural corollary of gratitude—generosity.
Our culture has descended (plummeted) toward attitudes of greed and entitlement creating contentious relationships and dissatisfaction with life. God’s Word has always asserted, and research affirms, that gratitude is a practice and trait that restores joy and builds relationships with God and others. How are you doing with the practice of gratitude?
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. In each of these areas some might wonder, “who are we to judge?” Today, we continue by looking at the concept of judgment and consider what the Bible teaches on this topic.
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. Today, we continue in our series by busting myths related to belief and trust by clearly understanding Biblical faith.
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. When going through difficulties, a well-meaning person might try to encourage you by saying God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle. Is this true? Is it found in the Bible? What should we say instead? Let’s discover these answers today in week two of MythBusters.
There are commonly held beliefs about the Bible, God, Jesus and Christianity that are just not true. Today, this new series begins as we bust the myth that bad things won’t happen to me if I believe in Jesus.
Reputation matters. What are you known for? As followers of Jesus, there are certain characteristics for which we should be known. Today, as we continue in our Resolute series, we dig into the characteristic which rises above the rest.
Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and love your neighbor. What does it look like to practically live this out in your life? Today, we will consider what it means to be Resolute as we seek to love and serve the world around us.
The death and resurrection of Jesus provides everything we need to be Justified before God. Once we have received this free gift by faith, how do we now live?
Today, we celebrate an event. Not a religion, not a philosophy, not a system, not spirituality. But the historical event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this event, our faith is futile and we are still under sin. But because Jesus died and rose again we all can be Justified before God.
Anticipating a political deliverance, the Jerusalem crowds welcomed Jesus with palm branches and shouts of ‘Hosanna.’ But, like the crowds then, we must realize today that Jesus rode into Jerusalem to accomplish so much more.
20 years at 1051 Landis Valley Road and still Pursuing Life in Christ. Today, we reflect back gratefully and look ahead prayerfully while being reminded that in everything Jesus is preeminent!
Ask Big! "LORD, I have heard of your fame, I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD! Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; In wrath remember mercy!" (Habakkuk 3:2)
